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Stationary Objects: A Hazard That Could Cost a Motorcyclist’s Life
For many riders, there’s a unique thrill that comes with cruising down the open road on a motorcycle. The wind in your hair, the feeling of freedom, and the scenery rushing past all contribute to an exhilarating experience.
However, unlike driving a car, motorcycling comes with inherent risks. While some accidents involve other vehicles, a surprising number of motorcycle crashes happen when riders collide with stationary objects. These seemingly harmless obstacles can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are over 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than people in passenger cars. Even minor accidents can result in severe injuries for riders, who lack the protective shell of a car.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can be invaluable in helping riders navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While rider error can certainly play a role in some motorcycle accidents, a significant portion is caused by external factors. These can include:
• Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention can have disastrous consequences for motorcyclists, who are often overlooked in traffic.
• Drunk driving: Impaired drivers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road, but motorcyclists are especially vulnerable.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the road can cause a rider to lose control.
• Unsafe lane changes by other vehicles: Motorcycles have a smaller profile than cars, making them harder to see. This can lead to drivers not noticing a motorcycle when they change lanes.
Beyond these common causes, a major threat to motorcyclists comes from seemingly unmoving objects on the road.
Common Stationary Hazards That Can Hurt Motorcyclists
Imagine cruising down a highway, enjoying the ride, when suddenly you encounter an unexpected obstacle.
Unlike a car, which can absorb some impact, a motorcycle offers little protection in a collision.
Here are some common stationary hazards that can cause a serious motorcycle accident, and why they’re particularly dangerous for riders:
• Guardrails: Designed to prevent vehicles from going off the road, guardrails can be unforgiving for motorcyclists who collide with them. The rigid metal bars can cause serious injuries in several ways. If a rider hits the guardrail head-on, the impact can throw them off the motorcycle and onto the pavement. Even a minor blow can cause the rider to lose control and swerve into traffic or off the road entirely.
• Debris: Loose cargo from trucks, fallen objects like tools or furniture, or even a simple flat tire left on the road can create a dangerous situation for motorcyclists. Unlike a car that can roll over debris, a motorcycle wheel can hit it head-on, causing the rider to lose control and potentially flip over the handlebars. Debris can also obscure potholes or other uneven pavement, making it even more hazardous.
• Construction zones: Construction zones are inherently chaotic environments with uneven pavement, merging lanes, and unfamiliar traffic patterns. Poorly marked detours or sudden lane closures can force riders to make quick maneuvers, increasing the risk of an accident. Construction materials like cones or stacks of bricks can also become obstacles if a rider loses control.
• Signs and signals: Improperly placed signs and signals can be a hidden danger for motorcyclists. Large signs that block a rider’s view of oncoming traffic or signals that are poorly lit or malfunctioning can lead to a collision. During nighttime rides, when visibility is reduced, these hazards become even more dangerous.
• Curbs and medians: These seemingly harmless structures can cause a rider to lose control if they hit them at an angle or misjudge the distance. Even a low curb can cause the motorcycle to flip if a rider hits it unexpectedly, especially when leaning into a turn. Medians separating lanes can also be dangerous if a rider is forced to swerve onto them to avoid another vehicle.
• Paved shoulders: While paved shoulders seem like a safe place to pull over in an emergency, they can be uneven or have a different texture than the main road. This difference in traction can cause a rider to lose control, especially if they’re re-entering traffic and need to accelerate quickly.
The Injuries Motorcyclists Suffer
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the crash and the type of object struck. Here are some of the most common ones:
• Road rash: This is a painful abrasion caused by scraping against the pavement.
• Broken bones: Motorcycle accidents often involve fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Head injuries: Even with a helmet, head injuries are a major concern for motorcyclists in a crash.
• Spinal cord injuries: These devastating injuries can result in permanent paralysis.
The physical, emotional, and financial burden of these injuries can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation can leave riders struggling to get back on their feet.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident involving a stationary object, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can:
• Investigate the cause of the accident: They will gather evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries.
• Deal with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to downplay the value of a motorcycle accident claim. A lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Help you understand your legal rights: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and motorcycle repairs. Your lawyer can explain your options and guide you through the legal process.
The road to recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and difficult. Don’t let the burden of a legal battle add to your stress. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can stand up for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.